A huge smile adorned Toma Popov’s face this Saturday as he joined his son on his bench for the traditional hug after a victory. In 50 minutes, Christo Popov had just achieved the greatest feat in French badminton by entering the final of the World Tour Finals. To see this performance, it is a level higher than that of the Olympic Games in terms of table density.
His latest victim is the Japanese Kodai Naraoka (world No.9, 21-19, 21-8), which should allow the Provençal to grab places in the world rankings. “The victory of the first set was decisive“, confides his father and coach. He also had to adapt to new playing conditions. “We were used to playing on the N.2 pitch. He was present in the half on the N.1, the playing conditions were different with slower conditions, the wind (due to air conditioning which can disrupt the trajectory of the steering wheels).”
Came with his brother and a physical trainer
It didn’t bother him in the end. Due to the time difference, the meeting began shortly after 7 a.m. in France. Time to see the Fosseen firstly eye-catching and combative…
